L.A. Teacher Layoffs

First and foremost, I would like to note that Melinda is safe and well in Chile! We have linked Melinda's blog to ours for anyone who is interested-- I'm interested in the food she is evidently feasting on. *Sigh*

Anyway, I was catching up on news this morning when I found this article about how Los Angeles school district officials moved forward with plans to lay off more than 5,000 teachers, counselors, custodians, clerks and other employees.

Most of the teachers being laid off are new teachers who are not protected by tenure. How does this relate to new teachers in the state of North Carolina? According to this article from January that discusses possible layoffs, the same thing might very well be in the works for teachers in North Carolina. However, in the case of NC teachers it is not only length of service that is being considered in the possible layoff. Factors such as performance ratings, the status of a teacher's license, service in extra duty positions, and a possible recommendation by a superintendent will be considered.

The most concerning part of the article is that it is stated that N.C. teacher layoffs are a possibility if the economy continues to decline.

Were the L.A. layoffs a sign that the economy is continuing to decline? Is it a good idea to layoff teachers to make budget when students could be facing learning in a classroom with 40-50 students per class? Is teaching still going to be effective for both the teacher and the students if that happens? Could this happen in North Carolina?

Unfortunately only time will tell.

Heather